Flat panel display device and fabrication apparatus thereof and fabrication method thereof

Abstract

 A method of making a flat panel display device. The device has a first substrate, a second substrate opposing the first substrate and an array of pixels formed therebetween. A frit is interposed and interconnects between the first substrate and second substrate. The frit is melted by irradiating it with a first laser and a second laser. The first and second lasers move along the different paths.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a flat panel display device, and more particularly, to encapsulating a flat panel display device.

2. Discussion of Related Art

[0002] Recently, various types of flat panel display devices have been developed that afford reduced weight and volume. Weight and volume are recognized disadvantages of a cathode ray tube (CRT). Examples of flat panel display devices, include liquid crystal displays, field emission displays, plasma display panels and light emitting displays. Flat panel display devices have been widely studied since they can be constituted in super thin and flexible forms. Field emission displays tend to suffer from the characteristic that they can be degraded by an infiltration of moisture, so they need a sealing member for preventing this.

[0003] Generally, there is a method of fabricating a sealing member by machining a metal can or a glass substrate in a cap form to have a groove, wherein after a desiccant for absorbing moisture is mounted in the groove in a powder form or fabricated in a film form to be adhered to it using a double-faced tape, the sealing member is bonded to the substrate on which the organic light emitting elements are formed, using UV curing sealant or thermosetting sealant. That is, according to the exemplary method, although the sealing member is bonded to the substrate on which the elements are formed, using the UV curing sealant or the thermosetting sealant, there may be a limitation to prevent the infiltration of oxygen or moisture since the bonding material is sealant.

[0004] In event that oxygen or moisture infiltrates inside the elements, degradation due to intrinsic factors, such as degradation of an emission layer due to oxygen from a first electrode ITO, degradation due to a reaction of the emission to an interface, etc., as well as degradation due to extrinsic factors, such as moisture, oxygen, ultraviolet rays, and fabrication conditions of the elements, etc., easily occur. That is problems arise due to the infiltration of external moisture into the inside of the display unit, the emission layer becomes separated from an electrode and poor pixels are generated, amongst other things.

[0005] A structure for sealing the organic light emitting display device by applying frit on the glass substrate is disclosed in U.S. patent No. 6,998,776, wherein the frit is melted by a laser so that the gap between the substrate for the elements and the cap is sealed.

[0006] The discussion in this section is to provide general background information, and does not constitute an admission of prior art.

SUMMARY

[0007] The present invention sets out to solve the above problems and accordingly provides a method of making a flat panel display as set out in Claim 1, a flat panel display device as set out in Claim 15 and apparatus for making a flat panel display as set out in Claim 19. Preferred features of the various aspects of the invention are set out in Claims 2 to 14, 16 to 18 and 20.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a cross section diagram showing a flat panel display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 2A and 2B are waveform diagrams of laser energy irradiated when melting a frit pattern;

[0011] FIG. 3A to 3D are cross section diagrams showing a fabrication process of a flat panel display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a fabrication apparatus of a flat panel display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 5A is a schematic exploded view of a passive matrix type organic light emitting display device;

[0014] FIG 5B is a schematic exploded view of an active matrix type organic light emitting display device;

[0015] FIG. 5C is a schematic top plan view of an organic light emitting display device;

[0016] FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of the organic light emitting display of FIG. 5C, taken along the line d-d; and

[0017] FIG. 5E is a schematic perspective view illustrating mass production of organic light emitting devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] An organic light emitting display (OLED) is a display device comprising an array of organic light emitting diodes. Organic light emitting diodes are solid state devices which include an organic material and are adapted to generate and emit light when appropriate electrical potentials are applied.

[0020] OLEDs can be generally grouped into two basic types dependent on the arrangement with which the stimulating electrical current is provided. Fig. 5A schematically illustrates an exploded view of a simplified structure of a passive matrix type OLED 1000. Fig. 5B schematically illustrates a simplified structure of an active matrix type OLED 1001. In both configurations, the OLED 1000, 1001 includes OLED pixels built over a substrate 1002, and the OLED pixels include an anode 1004, a cathode 1006 and an organic layer 1010. When an appropriate electrical current is applied to the anode 1004, electric current flows through the pixels and visible light is emitted from the organic layer.

[0021] Referring to Fig. 5A, the passive matrix OLED (PMOLED) design includes elongate strips of anode 1004 arranged generally perpendicular to elongate strips of cathode 1006 with organic layers interposed therebetween. The intersections of the strips of cathode 1006 and anode 1004 define individual OLED pixels where light is generated and emitted upon appropriate excitation of the corresponding strips of anode 1004 and cathode 1006. PMOLEDs provide the advantage of relatively simple fabrication.

[0022] Referring to Fig. 5B, the active matrix OLED (AMOLED) includes driving circuits 1012 arranged between the substrate 1002 and an array of OLED pixels. An individual pixel of AMOLEDs is defined between the common cathode 1006 and an anode 1004, which is electrically isolated from other anodes. Each driving circuit 1012 is coupled with an anode 1004 of the OLED pixels and further coupled with a data line 1016 and a scan line 1018. The scan lines 1018 supply scan signals that select rows of the driving circuits, and the data lines 1016 supply data signals for particular driving circuits. The data signals and scan signals stimulate the local driving circuits 1012, which excite the anodes 1004 so as to emit light from their corresponding pixels.

[0023] In the illustrated AMOLED, the local driving circuits 1012, the data lines 1016 and scan lines 1018 are buried in a planarization layer 1014, which is interposed between the pixel array and the substrate 1002. The planarization layer 1014 provides a planar top surface on which the organic light emitting pixel array is formed. The planarization layer 1014 may be formed of organic or inorganic materials, and formed of two or more layers although shown as a single layer. The local driving circuits 1012 are typically formed with thin film transistors (TFT) and arranged in a grid or array under the OLED pixel array. The local driving circuits 1012 may be at least partly made of organic materials, including organic TFT. AMOLEDs have the advantage of fast response time improving their desirability for use in displaying data signals. Also, AMOLEDs have the advantages of consuming less power than passive matrix OLEDs.

[0024] Referring to common features of the PMOLED and AMOLED designs, the substrate 1002 provides structural support for the OLED pixels and circuits. The substrate 1002 can comprise rigid or flexible materials as well as opaque or transparent materials, such as plastic, glass, and/or foil. As noted above, each OLED pixel or diode is formed with the anode 1004, cathode 1006 and organic layer 1010 interposed therebetween. When an appropriate electrical current is applied to the anode 1004, the cathode 1006 injects electrons and the anode 1004 injects holes. In certain cases, the anode 1004 and cathode 1006 are inverted; i.e., the cathode is formed on the substrate 1002 and the anode is opposingly arranged.

[0025] Interposed between the cathode 1006 and anode 1004 are one or more organic layers. More specifically, at least one emissive or light emitting layer is interposed between the cathode 1006 and anode 1004. The light emitting layer may comprise one or more light emitting organic compounds. Typically, the light emitting layer is configured to emit visible light in a single color such as blue, green, red or white. In the illustrated structure, one organic layer 1010 is formed between the cathode 1006 and anode 1004 and acts as a light emitting layer. Additional layers, which can be formed between the anode 1004 and cathode 1006, can include a hole transporting layer, a hole injection layer, an electron transporting layer and an electron injection layer.

[0026] Hole transporting and/or injection layers can be interposed between the light emitting layer 1010 and the anode 1004. Electron transporting and/or injecting layers can be interposed between the cathode 1006 and the light emitting layer 1010. The electron injection layer facilitates injection of electrons from the cathode 1006 toward the light emitting layer 1010 by reducing the work function for injecting electrons from the cathode 1006. Similarly, the hole injection layer facilitates injection of holes from the anode 1004 toward the light emitting layer 1010. The hole and electron transporting layers facilitate movement of the carriers injected from the respective electrodes toward the light emitting layer.

[0027] In some cases, a single layer may serve both electron injection and transportation functions or both hole injection and transportation functions. In some cases, one or more of these layers are lacking. In some cases, one or more organic layers are doped with one or more materials that help injection and/or transportation of the carriers. In structures where only one organic layer is formed between the cathode and anode, the organic layer may include not only an organic light emitting compound but also certain functional materials that help injection or transportation of carriers within that layer.

[0028] There are numerous organic materials that have been developed for use in these layers including the light emitting layer. Also, numerous other organic materials for use in these layers are being developed. In some cases, these organic materials may be macromolecules including oligomers and polymers. In some cases, the organic materials for these layers may be relatively small molecules. The skilled artisan will be able to select appropriate materials for each of these layers in view of the desired functions of the individual layers and the materials for the neighboring layers in particular designs.

[0029] In operation, an electrical circuit provides appropriate potential between the cathode 1006 and anode 1004. This results in an electrical current flowing from the anode 1004 to the cathode 1006 via the interposed organic layer(s). In one structure, the cathode 1006 provides electrons to the adjacent organic layer 1010. The anode 1004 injects holes to the organic layer 1010. The holes and electrons recombine in the organic layer 1010 and generate energy particles called "excitons." The excitons transfer their energy to the organic light emitting material in the organic layer 1010, and the energy is used to emit visible light from the organic light emitting material. The spectral characteristics of light generated and emitted by the OLED 1000, 1001 depend on the nature and composition of organic molecules in the organic layer(s). The composition of the one or more organic layers can be selected to suit the needs of a particular application by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0030] OLED devices can also be categorized based on the direction of the light emission. In one type referred to as "top emission" type, OLED devices emit light and display images through the cathode or top electrode 1006. In these devices, the cathode 1006 is made of a material transparent or at least partially transparent with respect to visible light. In certain cases, to avoid losing any light that can pass through the anode or bottom electrode 1004, the anode may be made of a material substantially reflective of the visible light. A second type of OLED devices emits light through the anode or bottom electrode 1004 and is called "bottom emission" type. In the bottom emission type OLED devices, the anode 1004 is made of a material which is at least partially transparent with respect to visible light. Often, in bottom emission type OLED devices, the cathode 1006 is made of a material substantially reflective of the visible light. A third type of OLED devices emits light in two directions, e.g. through both anode 1004 and cathode 1006. Depending upon the direction(s) of the light emission, the substrate may be formed of a material which is transparent, opaque or reflective of visible light.

[0031] In many cases, an OLED pixel array 1021 comprising a plurality of organic light emitting pixels is arranged over a substrate 1002 as shown in Fig. 5C. The pixels in the array 1021 are controlled to be turned on and off by a driving circuit (not shown), and the plurality of the pixels as a whole displays information or image on the array 1021. In certain cases, the OLED pixel array 1021 is arranged with respect to other components, such as drive and control electronics to define a display region and a non-display region. In these devices, the display region refers to the area of the substrate 1002 where OLED pixel array 1021 is formed. The non-display region refers to the remaining areas of the substrate 1002. The non-display region can contain logic and/or power supply circuitry. It will be understood that there will be at least portions of control/drive circuit elements arranged within the display region. For example, in PMOLEDs, conductive components will extend into the display region to provide appropriate potential to the anode and cathodes. In AMOLEDs, local driving circuits and data/scan lines coupled with the driving circuits will extend into the display region to drive and control the individual pixels of the AMOLEDs.

[0032] One design and fabrication consideration in OLED devices is that certain organic material layers of OLED devices can suffer damage or accelerated deterioration from exposure to water, oxygen or other harmful gases. Accordingly, it is generally understood that OLED devices be sealed or encapsulated to inhibit exposure to moisture and oxygen or other harmful gases found in a manufacturing or operational environment. Fig. 5D schematically illustrates a cross-section of an encapsulated OLED device 1011 having a layout of Fig. 5C and taken along the line d-d of Fig. 5C. In this device, a generally planar top plate or substrate 1061 engages with a seal 1071 which further engages with a bottom plate or substrate 1002 to enclose or encapsulate the OLED pixel array 1021. In other structures, one or more layers are formed on the top plate 1061 or bottom plate 1002, and the seal 1071 is coupled with the bottom or top substrate 1002, 1061 via such a layer. In the illustrated case, the seal 1071 extends along the periphery of the OLED pixel array 1021 or the bottom or top plate 1002, 1061.

[0033] The seal 1071 is made of a frit material as will be further discussed below. In various arrangements, the top and bottom plates 1061, 1002 comprise materials such as plastics, glass and/or metal foils which can provide a barrier to passage of oxygen and/or water to thereby protect the OLED pixel array 1021 from exposure to these substances. At least one of the top plate 1061 and the bottom plate 1002 are formed of a substantially transparent material.

[0034] To lengthen the life time of OLED devices 1011, it is generally desired that seal 1071 and the top and bottom plates 1061, 1002 provide a substantially non-permeable seal to oxygen and water vapor and provide a substantially hermetically enclosed space 1081. In certain applications, it is indicated that the seal 1071 of a frit material in combination with the top and bottom plates 1061, 1002 provide a barrier to oxygen of less than approximately 10^-3 cc/m²-day and to water of less than 10^-6 g/m²-day. Given that some oxygen and moisture can permeate into the enclosed space 1081, a material that can take up oxygen and/or moisture is formed within the enclosed space 1081.

[0035] The seal 1071 has a width W, which is its thickness in a direction parallel to a surface of the top or bottom substrate 1061, 1002 as shown in Fig. 5D. The width varies among devices and ranges from about 300 µm to about 3000 µm, optionally from about 500 µm to about 1500 µm. Also, the width may vary at different positions of the seal 1071. In some cases, the width of the seal 1071 may be the largest where the seal 1071 contacts one of the bottom and top substrate 1002, 1061 or a layer formed thereon. The width may be the smallest where the seal 1071 contacts the other. The width variation in a single cross-section of the seal 1071 relates to the cross-sectional shape of the seal 1071 and other design parameters.

[0036] The seal 1071 has a height H, which is its thickness in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the top or bottom substrate 1061, 1002 as shown in Fig. 5D. The height varies among devices and ranges from about 2 µm to about 30 µm, optionally from about 10 µm to about 15 µm. Generally, the height does not significantly vary at different positions of the seal 1071. However, in certain cases, the height of the seal 1071 may vary at different positions thereof.

[0037] In the illustrated device, the seal 1071 has a generally rectangular cross-section. In other structures, however, the seal 1071 can have other various cross-sectional shapes such as a generally square cross-section, a generally trapezoidal cross-section, a cross-section with one or more rounded edges, or other configuration as indicated by the needs of a given application. To improve hermeticity, it is generally desired to increase the interfacial area where the seal 1071 directly contacts the bottom or top substrate 1002, 1061 or a layer formed thereon. In some cases, the shape of the seal can be designed such that the interfacial area can be increased.

[0038] The seal 1071 can be arranged immediately adjacent the OLED array 1021, and in other cases, the seal 1071 is spaced some distance from the OLED array 1021. The seal 1071 comprises generally linear segments that are connected together to surround the OLED array 1021. Such linear segments of the seal 1071 can extend, in certain cases, generally parallel to respective boundaries of the OLED array 1021. In other structures, one or more of the linear segments of the seal 1071 are arranged in a non-parallel relationship with respective boundaries of the OLED array 1021. In yet other structures, at least part of the seal 1071 extends between the top plate 1061 and bottom plate 1002 in a curvilinear manner.

[0039] As noted above, in certain cases, the seal 1071 is formed using a frit material or simply "frit" or glass frit," which includes fine glass particles. The frit particles includes one or more of magnesium oxide (MgO), calcium oxide (CaO), barium oxide (BaO), lithium oxide (Li₂O), sodium oxide (Na₂O), potassium oxide (K₂O), boron oxide (B₂O₃), vanadium oxide (V₂O₅), zinc oxide (ZnO), tellurium oxide (TeO₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), silicon dioxide (SiO₂), lead oxide (PbO), tin oxide (SnO), phosphorous oxide (P₂O₅), ruthenium oxide (Ru₂O), rubidium oxide (Rb₂O), rhodium oxide (Rh₂O), ferrite oxide (Fe₂O₃), copper oxide (CuO), titanium oxide (TiO₂), tungsten oxide (WO₃), bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃), antimony oxide (Sb₂O₃), lead-borate glass, tin-phosphate glass, vanadate glass, and borosilicate, etc. Typically, these particles range in size from about 2 µm to about 30 µm, optionally about 5 µm to about 10 µm, although not limited only thereto. The particles can be as large as about the distance between the top and bottom substrates 1061, 1002 or any layers formed on these substrates where the frit seal 1071 contacts.

[0040] The frit material used to form the seal 1071 can also include one or more filler or additive materials. The filler or additive materials can be provided to adjust an overall thermal expansion characteristic of the seal 1071 and/or to adjust the absorption characteristics of the seal 1071 for selected frequencies of incident radiant energy. The filler or additive material(s) can also include inversion and/or additive fillers to adjust a coefficient of thermal expansion of the frit. For example, the filler or additive materials can include transition metals, such as chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), and/or vanadium. Additional materials for the filler or additives include ZnSiO₄, PbTiO₃, ZrO₂, eucryptite.

[0041] Typically, a frit material as a dry composition contains glass particles from about 20 to 90 about wt%, and the remaining includes fillers and/or additives. In some cases, the frit paste contains about 10-30 wt% organic materials and about 70-90% inorganic materials. In some cases, the frit paste contains about 20 wt% organic materials and about 80 wt% inorganic materials. In some cases, the organic materials may include about 0-30 wt% binder(s) and about 70-100 wt% solvent(s). In some cases, about 10 wt% is binder(s) and about 90 wt% is solvent(s) among the organic materials. In some cases, the inorganic materials may include about 0-10 wt% additives, about 20-40 wt% fillers and about 50-80 wt% glass powder. In some cases, about 0-5 wt% is additive(s), about 25-30 wt% is filler(s) and about 65-75 wt% is the glass powder among the inorganic materials.

[0042] In forming a frit seal, a liquid material is added to the dry frit material to form a frit paste. Any organic or inorganic solvent with or without additives can be used as the liquid material. The solvent may include one or more organic compounds. For example, applicable organic compounds are ethyl cellulose, nitro cellulose, hydroxyl propyl cellulose, butyl carbitol acetate, terpineol, butyl cellusolve, acrylate compounds. Then, the thus formed frit paste can be applied to form a shape of the seal 1071 on the top and/or bottom plate 1061, 1002.

[0043] The shape of the seal 1071 is initially formed from the frit paste and interposed between the top plate 1061 and the bottom plate 1002. The seal 1071 can in certain cases be pre-cured or pre-sintered to one of the top plate and bottom plate 1061, 1002. Following assembly of the top plate 1061 and the bottom plate 1002 with the seal 1071 interposed therebetween, portions of the seal 1071 are selectively heated such that the frit material forming the seal 1071 at least partially melts. The seal 1071 is then allowed to resolidify to form a secure joint between the top plate 1061 and the bottom plate 1002 to thereby inhibit exposure of the enclosed OLED pixel array 1021 to oxygen or water.

[0044] The selective heating of the frit seal is carried out by irradiation of light, such as a laser or directed infrared lamp. As previously noted, the frit material forming the seal 1071 can be combined with one or more additives or filler such as species selected for improved absorption of the irradiated light to facilitate heating and melting of the frit material to form the seal 1071.

[0045] In some cases, OLED devices 1011 are mass produced. In Fig. 5E, a plurality of separate OLED arrays 1021 is formed on a common bottom substrate 1101. Each OLED array 1021 is surrounded by a shaped frit to form the seal 1071. A common top substrate (not shown) is placed over the common bottom substrate 1101 and the structures formed thereon such that the OLED arrays 1021 and the shaped frit paste are interposed between the common bottom substrate 1101 and the common top substrate. The OLED arrays 1021 are encapsulated and sealed, such as via the previously described enclosure process for a single OLED display device. The resulting product includes a plurality of OLED devices kept together by the common bottom and top substrates. Then, the resulting product is cut into a plurality of pieces, each of which constitutes an OLED device 1011 of Fig. 5D. In certain structures, the individual OLED devices 1011 then further undergo additional packaging operations to further improve the sealing formed by the frit seal 1071 and the top and bottom substrates 1061, 1002.

[0046] When irradiating the frit pattern with the laser, the energy region of the laser capable of melting the frit pattern, including points where the laser is irradiated, may be smaller than the width of the frit pattern. As a result, the edge region of the frit pattern at which the energy of the laser is not arrived is incompletely melted so that there is risk of inducing an incomplete curing. When the incomplete curing is induced, it has problems that oxygen or moisture is infiltrated so that the emission layer included in the light emitting unit is separated from an electrode and poor pixels are generated, etc.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional diagram showing a flat panel display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, although the flat panel display device according to this embodiment of the present invention is an organic light emitting display device, the present invention is not limited thereto. Also, although the frit is generally glass in a powder state, the fritin some embodiments of the present invention can be glass in a gel state wherein organic matter is added to the glass in the powder state and the glass is cured by irradiating it with a laser.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, the flat panel display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention comprises a substrate 110 on which a plurality of light emitting elements 112 are formed; a sealing member 120 positioned on the substrate to be opposite to one side of the substrate 110 on which the light emitting elements 112 are formed; and a frit pattern 130 bonding the substrate to the sealing member. At this time, the frit pattern 130 is formed along an edge side of the sealing member 120, wherein it is cured by being melted after being bonded to the substrate so that it functions to bond the substrate 100 to the sealing member 120. This embodiment of the present invention is characterized by preventing an incomplete melting of the frit pattern by irradiating it along at least two paths with laser, when melting the frit pattern 130

[0049] Although in some embodiments of the present invention, the sealing member 120 may be a substrate of glass material, it is not necessarily limited thereto; however, it may comprise plastic or a metal cap, etc. Also, although the substrate 110 may be formed of a transparent glass, it is not limited thereto and it may for example be formed of a plastic material.

[0050] A plurality of the light emitting elements 112 formed on the substrate 100 are organic light emitting elements. The light emitting elements 112 each comprise a pair of electrodes opposed to each other and an organic layer having at least organic emission layer inserted between the electrodes. At this time, the organic light emitting unit can be driven in both a passive matrix and an active matrix. The organic light emitting element 112 is configured of an anode electrode supplying holes and a cathode electrode supplying electrons, wherein the anode electrode is arranged to be opposite to the cathode electrode, and a organic emission layer disposed between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode.

[0051] In general, although the anode electrode is formed on the substrate 110, the organic layer on the substrate, and the cathode electrode on the organic layer, the invention is not necessarily limited thereto, for example, the position of the anode electrode and the cathode electrode may be reversed. In the case that an image is a rear emitting type implemented toward the substrate 110, the anode electrode can be formed as a transparent electrode and the cathode electrode formed as a reflective electrode. In the case that an image is a front emitting type implemented toward the opposite side of the substrate, the anode electrode can be formed as a reflective electrode and the cathode electrode formed as a transparent electrode. The anode electrode and the cathode electrode can be formed in a predetermined pattern. In case of an active emitting type, although the cathode electrode may be formed in a front deposition pattern, it is not necessarily limited thereto; however, it may be formed in other patterns.

[0052] The organic layer inserted between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode may be a low molecular organic layer or a high molecular organic layer. In the case of using a low molecular organic layer, a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an organic emission layer (EML), an electron transport layer (EIL), an electron transport layer (ETL), or the like may be stacked and formed in a single or a composite structure. As usable organic materials, there are copperphthalocyanine (CuPc), N, N-Di (naphthalene-1-1y1)-N,N'-diphenylbenzidine (NPB), tris-8-hydroxyquinoline aluminum (Alq3), etc. This low molecular organic layer may be formed in a vacuum deposition method. In the case of using a high molecular organic layer, it may be configured of a structure comprising a hole transport layer (HTL) and an emission layer (EML). In this case, PEDOT is used as the hole transport layer, and high molecular organic materials of poly-phenylenevinylene (PPV) and polyfluroene, etc as the emission layer. The emission layer can be formed using a screen printing method or an ink jet printing method, etc.

[0053] In the organic layer, the emission layer is patterned by each of red (R), green (G) and blue (B) pixels in order to implement full color. In the organic light emitting element 112, as the anode electrode and the cathode electrode are applied with a positive voltage and a negative voltage, the holes injected from the anode electrode are moved into the emission layer and the electrons are injected from the cathode electrode to the emission layer so that the holes and the electrons are recombined to generate exitons. Then, as the exitons are changed from excitation state to ground state, fluorescent molecules in the emission layer are light-emitted, thereby forming an image. In case of the full color organic light emitting display device, it implements the full-color by comprising a pixel light-emitting three colors of red (R), green (G) and blue (B).

[0054] As the sealing member 120 addresses the substrate 110 on which the plurality of the light emitting elements 112 are formed, the frit pattern 130 is formed along the edge region of the sealing member 120, as shown. The frit pattern 130 is melted by the laser. In embodiments of the present invention, when melting the frit pattern 130, the laser is directed along at least two paths to prevent an incomplete melting of the frit pattern.

[0055] FIG. 2A and 2B are diagrams of laser energy intensity when melting a frit pattern. First, considering a general waveform of laser energy as shown in FIG. 2A, an energy region E in which the intensity is capable of melting the frit pattern 130 only extends across part of the laser cross-section due to the lateral energy distribution of the beam. Hence the most effective part of the beam is narrower than the width of the frit pattern formed on the sealing member. Therefore, when the laser is directed along the central part of the frit pattern 130, since the laser energy is not so high at the edge regions of the frit pattern 130, there is risk of inducing an incomplete melting. When incomplete melting occurs, it causes problems in that oxygen or moisture infiltrates after the frit pattern is cured later so that the emission layer included in the light emitting element can become separated from an electrode and poor pixels generated, etc.

[0056] In order to avoid the above, as shown in FIG. 2B, an embodiment of the present invention employs a laser having the energy waveform shown in FIG. 2A, but the laser is irradiated along at least two paths when melting the frit pattern 130 so that the entire frit pattern 130 is included in the energy region E of the laser, thereby overcoming the problems as described above with reference to the FIG. 2A. That is, the incomplete melting of the frit pattern can be prevented. As one example, when the laser is irradiated along the two paths, it is irradiated along lines situated one quarter and three quarters of the way across from a given side of the frit pattern, so that the entire frit pattern 130 can be included in the effective energy region E of the laser. If the laser is irradiated along the at least two paths, the frit pattern 130 melted by the laser irradiation is formed to have at least one turning point A in the region bonded to the substrate, as shown in an magnified portion of FIG. 1.

[0057] FIG. 3A to 3D are cross sectional diagrams showing a fabrication process of a flat panel display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, as shown in FIG. 3A, a plurality of light emitting elements are formed on the one side of the substrate 110. Here, since each of the light emitting elements 112 formed on the substrate 110 may be an organic light emitting element, the concrete constitution thereof is the same as that described above with reference to FIG.1 and the description thereof will thus be omitted. Next, the sealing member is prepared to be opposite to the one side of the substrate on which the light emitting elements are formed, as shown in FIG. 3B.

[0058] Although the sealing member 120 may be a substrate of a glass material, it is not necessarily limited thereto; for example, it may be formed of a plastic or a metal cap, etc. Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the frit pattern 130 is applied to the side directed toward the substrate 110 of the sealing member 120 and after the frit pattern 130 is applied, the sealing member 120 is bonded to the substrate 110 so that the frit pattern 130 is adhered to the substrate 110. Finally, referring to FIG. 3D, the laser is directed along at least two paths within each section of the frit pattern 130, so as to irradiate the frit pattern 130. As the melted frit pattern 130 is cured, the substrate 110 is bonded to the sealing member 120. That is, when melting the frit pattern 130, the laser is irradiated along the at least two paths so that the entire frit pattern 130 is included in the energy region of the laser, thereby preventing the incomplete melting of a portion of the frit pattern.

[0059] As an example, when the laser is directed along the two paths, it is directed along one path a quarter of the way across the cross-section of the frit pattern and a second parallel path situated three quarters of the way across the cross section (or a quarter of the way and across when taken from the opposite side), so that the entire frit pattern 130 can be included in the effective energy region of the laser. Other locations for the laser paths are equally possible, and locations situated from one eighth to three eighths of the way across the cross section for the first path and from five eighths to seven eighths across the cross-section for the second path offer equally viable examples. Further, when the laser is directed along the two paths, two laser irradiating means are driven at the same time to melt the frit pattern, or the laser is directed along a first path to first melt the first region of the frit pattern and after the laser irradiation is completed, the laser is directed along a second path to melt the second region of the frit pattern.

[0060] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view for a fabrication apparatus of a flat panel display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically Fig. 4 shows an apparatus for directing a laser at a frit pattern in order to bond the first and second substrates of a flat panel display device. As will be seen from the drawing, a substrate stage 11 located inside of a chamber 10 is firmly provided with a first substrate 12b and a second substrate 12a. On the second substrate 12b is a mask 13 and on the mask 13 there is formed a transmission unit 13a for transmitting the laser.

[0061] Located at a predetermined side of the second substrate 12a corresponding to the transmission unit 13a and irradiated with the laser is a sealing unit 12c. In this case, the first substrate 12b is a substrate comprising a plurality of light emitting units and the second substrate 12a is a sealing member corresponding with and bonded to the first substrate. The opposite side of the sealing unit 12c of the second substrate 12a is applied with a frit pattern.

[0062] In this embodiment of the invention, at least two laser heads 16 are arranged as a group, and each of the laser heads is respectively supported by a laser head guide 17, and is mounted in such as a manner as to be able to move relative to the upper parts of the substrates 12a and 12b. Although two laser heads are shown in FIG. 4, the invention is not necessarily limited thereto. Also, a pair of the laser heads can be formed on the same line, or can be spaced apart from each other at a constant interval. FIG. 4 shows the pair of the laser heads as formed on the same line.

[0063] One region of the laser head guide 17 is provided with a first CCD camera for measuring the position of the mask 13. This is mounted with at least one first alignment unit 15 for aligning the substrates 12a and 12b and the mask 13 with the aid of the first CCD camera. Therefore, the first alignment unit 15 aligns the substrates 12a and 12b with the mask 13 in which the shape of the sealing unit 13c is patterned so that the respective positions of the mask and the substrates mutually conform. The laser heads 16 are provided with a second CCD camera for measuring the position of the substrates 12a and 12b relative to the laser heads 16. This second CCD camera is mounted with at least one second alignment unit 18 for aligning the substrates 12a and 12b and the laser heads 16 with the aid of the second CCD camera. Therefore, the second alignment unit 18 aligns the movement positions of the laser heads 16 in conformity with the sealing unit 12c. The position corresponding to the second alignment unit 18 of the laser heads 16 is further provided with a temperature controller (not shown) for controlling the temperature inside of the chamber using a temperature sensor.

[0064] The substrate stage 11 is also formed to be at least larger than the substrates 12a and 12b to support the substrates 12a and 12b, and the mask 13 is formed with the transmission unit 13a corresponding to the pattern of the sealing unit 12c. Although not shown in the drawings, the inside of the chamber 10 is provided with a monitoring camera to monitor the sealing process, thereby reducing defective rate of the organic light emitting display device.

[0065] The laser irradiating apparatus according to embodiments the present invention is characterized by comprising the at least two laser heads. With this, when melting the frit pattern by the laser irradiation, the respective laser heads irradiate the laser along the at least two paths of the frit pattern, thereby preventing the incomplete melting of the frit pattern. According to embodiments of the present invention, when bonding the substrate and the sealing member, the laser is irradiated along the at least two paths to melt the frit, resulting in that after the frit pattern is cured later, the frit sealing structure having a high sealing effect can be obtained. Further, since the complete sealing is achieved by the frit, the light emitting unit is completely isolated from the external environment. Therefore, a separate desiccant is not required so that the lifetime of the flat panel display device can further be extended.

[0066] The detailed description and the drawings of embodiments of the present invention are illustrated, by way of example, rather than to limit the meanings of the aspects of the present invention or the scope of the present invention defined in the claims.

[0067] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes might be made without departing from the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method of making a flat panel display device, the method comprising:

providing an unfinished product comprising:

a first substrate,

a second substrate opposing the first substrate,

an array of pixels interposed between the first and second substrates, and a frit comprising a plurality of elongated segments, which forms a closed loop surrounding the array and interposed between the first and second substrates, wherein the plurality of elongated segments comprises a first elongated segment extending generally in a first direction, wherein the first elongated segment comprises a first surface, which contacts the first substrate;

applying a first laser beam to the first elongated segment while moving the first laser beam relative to the first elongated segment, whereby the first laser beam moves generally along the first direction while irradiating a first strip of the first surface, wherein the first strip of the first surface extends generally in the first direction; and

applying a second laser beam to the first elongated segment while moving the second laser beam relative to the first elongated segment, whereby the second laser beam moves while irradiating a second strip of the first surface.

2. A method according to Claim 1, wherein the said application of the first and second laser beams is carried out substantially simultaneously.

3. A method according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the said application of the first and second laser beams is carried out using an apparatus comprising:

a first laser source for emitting the first laser beam;

a second laser source for emitting the second laser beam; and

a support coupled to the first and second laser sources and configured to simultaneously move the first and second laser sources along the first direction.

4. A method according to Claim 1, wherein the said application of the second laser beam is carried out subsequent to applying the first laser beam.

5. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second strips overlap with each other.

6. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and second strips do not overlap with each other.

7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the first beam is larger than the second beam.

8. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the first strip has a first central line extending generally in the first direction, and wherein the first central line is located within the second strip.

9. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the first strip has a first central line extending generally in the first direction, wherein the second strip has a second central line extending generally in the first direction.

10. A method according to Claim 9, wherein the first surface has a first edge and a second edge, which are substantially parallel to each other and extend generally in the first direction, and wherein the first central line and second central line are located between the first and second edges.

11. A method according to Claim 10, wherein the first surface has a width, which is a distance between the first and second edges in a second direction, wherein the first central line and the first edge have a first distance therebetween in the second direction, and wherein the first distance is from one eighth to three eighths of the width.

12. A method according to Claim 10, wherein the first surface has a width, which is a distance between the first and second edges in a second direction, wherein the second central line and the first edge has a second distance therebetween in the second direction, and wherein the second distance is from five eighths to seven eighths of the width.

13. A method according to any preceding claim, Claim wherein applying the first laser beam causes a portion of the first elongated segment to melt.

14. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising applying a third laser beam to the first elongated segment while moving the third laser beam relative to the first elongated segment, whereby the third laser beam moves while irradiating a third strip of the first surface.

15. A flat panel display device produced by a method according to any preceding claim wherein the first surface is bonded to the first substrate.

16. A device according to Claim 15, wherein an interface between the first elongated segment and the first substrate comprises a first trace of irradiation of the first laser beam and a second trace of irradiation of the second laser beam.

17. A device according to Claim 15 or 16, wherein the first trace of irradiation comprises a colour gradient generally in a direction perpendicular to the first central line.

18. A device according to Claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the first trace of irradiation comprises a morphology difference of the frit generally in a direction perpendicular to the first central line.

19. An apparatus for making a flat panel display device according to any one of Claims 15 to 18, the apparatus comprising:

a first laser source for emitting the first laser beam;

a second laser source for emitting the second laser beam; and

a support coupled to the first and second laser sources and configured to move the first and second laser sources along the first direction.

20. The apparatus according to Claim 19, wherein the support is configured to move the first and second laser sources simultaneously.

Drawing